Avista seeking utility fee increases

COEUR d’ALENE — Avista filed a request last month for permission to raise rates on electricity and natural gas to generate $31.8 million for infrastructure repairs.

The request includes a 10.3-percent increase in electricity rates over a two-year period and an 8.3-percent increase in natural gas rates.

If approved, Avista’s request would increase monthly power bills for average residential electricity users by $5.92 a month in 2016, and another $6.10 a month in 2017. Average natural gas users would pay an additional $3.90 a month in 2016, and see another monthly increase of $1.79 in 2017.

“It’s important to note that this is just a request or proposal,” said Jessie Wuerst, a spokeswoman for Avista, as she explained the complexity of the request.

For the rest of the story, see the print edition of the Bonner County Daily Bee or subscribe to our e-edition.